Objective of the event:

Present the achievements and lessons of bilateral co-operation between Peru and Brazil on biosafety and biosecurity, and explore opportunities for regional co-operation under the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) and UNSCR 1540 (2004).

1. Welcome and Opening

• Time: 13:15 - 13:25
• Participants:
  • Ambassador Federico Meyer, Chair of the Working Group and Permanent Representative of Brazil to the UN Geneva.
  • Minister Counselor Bernardo Roca Rey, Permanent Mission of Peru to the UN Geneva.
  • Minister Counselor Marketa Homolkova, Head of Political Section for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, EU Delegation to the UN Geneva 

2. Presentation of results of bilateral Peru-Brazil cooperation

• Time: 13:25 - 14:15
• Speakers:
  • Director Sandra Veloso, Brazilian Ministry of Science and Technology
  • Romeld Bustamante, Deputy Director for International Security, Control and Disarmament, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru
• Content:
  • Summary of national workshops in the capitals of Peru and Brazil to improve biosafety and biosecurity capacities.
  • Outcome of bilateral meetings held in Lima and Rio de Janeiro, focusing on the implementation of the BTWC and the exchange of experiences.
  • Key issues discussed at the Lima International Symposium on Dual-Use Research biosecurity and Governance.

3. Lessons learned and opportunities for improvement

• Time: 14:15 - 14:30
• Moderator: Daniela Ramirez, Program Officer of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism of the OAS.
• Description: Reflection on observed effective practices, implementation challenges and areas for improvement in bilateral cooperation, with ideas for future joint projects.

4. Open discussion: promoting regional co-operation in biosafety and biosecurity

• Time: 14:30 - 14:45
• Participants: Representatives of other BTWC States Parties
• Objective: To inspire other countries to adopt collaborative approaches in biosafety, sharing the lessons of cooperation between Peru and Brazil.